|
Important info for students
A&S links Report a problem Office of the Dean 147 Goldwin Smith Ithaca, NY 14853 607-255-1097 |
Guidelines for studying abroad through the College of Arts and Sciences
A&S STUDY ABROAD ADVISOR Fax: 255-5797 ADVISING HOURS: A&S STUDY ABROAD WEBSITE CORNELL ABROAD WALK-IN CORNELL ABROAD CONTACT INFORMATION Academic Objectives The College of Arts and Sciences encourages study, both on campus and abroad that provides a greater understanding of the world's peoples, cultures, economies, and environments, and prepares graduates for the challenges of international citizenship in the 21st century. Study abroad is open to every student in every major who meets the college requirements and has a strong academic goal. Well-chosen and well-planned study abroad contributes a global or comparative dimension to your chosen field, enhances critical thinking and communications skills, and provides first-hand immersion in and appreciation of another culture. Focused academic work in the right institution abroad can be excellent preparation for advanced study or honors work in your final semesters at Cornell, and lead to a career with a global component. You should start the process of investigation early, including consultation with Dean Patricia Wasyliw, A&S Study Abroad Advisor (55 Goldwin Smith Hall), as well as Dr. Richard Gaulton or Dr. Kristen Grace at Cornell Abroad. This will help students develop the above objective, as will attending information sessions offered by both Arts and Sciences and Cornell Abroad. (For the schedule of meetings, check out the link on Cornell Abroad's web page, http://www.cuabroad.cornell.edu/meetings/index.asp; stop by the Cornell Abroad office; or look for our ads in the Daily Sun.) Requirements (For College Approval)
Academic Standing Solid academic credentials are a basic prerequisite to study abroad. The college requires a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 for all Cornell course work, and good academic standing at the time of application and in the semester immediately prior to going abroad. Academic requirements for a few specific programs are higher, requiring a GPA of 3.3 or 3.5. Any grades of "Incomplete" must be resolved before study abroad, and should be avoided in the semester before departure. Only in exceptional cases will the college entertain study abroad proposals from students who do not meet these requirements. Students who wish to study abroad with a GPA below the minimum should realize that, in addition to our requirements, universities and programs also set GPA requirements for admission that are strictly adhered to. The college will not approve less rigorous programs simply to enable study abroad. Cornell Abroad, which coordinates applications to all international programs, will not forward applications that have no chance of acceptance. Language Requirement The college advocates study abroad that enables students to become competent in another language in order to engage fully in daily life in another culture, to develop social relationships, and to accomplish formal course work in that language. In most cases, and for all commonly-taught languages, students will complete all of their coursework in the language of the host country, with the majority of their coursework in regular university classes alongside degree-seeking students. For study abroad in Western Europe and Latin America, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in their language classes and complete at least two semesters at the 200 level at Cornell; additional coursework is strongly encouraged, and will increase your chances for acceptance into the most highly competitive programs. Consult the Courses of Study for the required level of course work in specific languages. For study abroad in Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and parts of Africa, course work entirely in the host language is not always practical even after several semesters of language preparation at Cornell. Students should still plan to compete as much language preparation as possible within the Cornell curriculum, at least 1-2 years of study, and may be approved for language-intensive programs (at least half of the possible 15 credits) with appropriate course work in English. If Cornell does not offer instruction in the language of your proposed host country, you may be approved for a program that combines intensive language instruction with subject course work in English. All students must continue to formally study the language of the host country while abroad. If you do not have training in your chosen language when you enter Cornell, you are encouraged to begin right away, commit to serious study at the 100-level in order to move into 200-level study after just two semesters through performance on the LP exam, and advance your language ability through intensive summer study. As with the minimum GPA, the A & S language requirement is commensurate with those set by most approved programs, and Cornell cannot unilaterally waive the requirement. If you lack sufficient language training to study abroad in the host language, you should plan to:
Only in exceptional cases (to be discussed with Dean Wasyliw) will the college approve study abroad for a student who has not met the language requirement. In most cases, it will make more sense for a student without adequate language preparation to make summer study abroad plans independent of the college. English-Language Study Abroad All study abroad in English-speaking countries is undertaken through direct university enrollment. Cornell students will engage in a full course of study, generally in their major field, alongside regular degree candidates in the host country. For study in the UK especially, substantial academic work in the major field will be considered essential for university acceptance. In all cases, the college normally requires that at least 50% of the classes you enroll in be advanced-level coursework in your major field. Area Studies Coursework You will need to acquire background knowledge of the country or region where you intend to study. At least one upper-level area studies course or one course in the history, culture, economics, politics, or social relations of the country of destination (3 or more credits) in addition to language study should be part of every student's preparation for study abroad. Such courses are most successfully undertaken when the subject matter coincides with student interests. Comparative thematic courses on the world region you plan to visit (Asia, Africa, Eastern or Western Europe, Latin America) may also fulfill the requirement. First-year writing seminars or 100-level introductory courses normally do not count as area studies. Students planning to study in Australia or New Zealand who cannot fulfill this requirement at Cornell must enroll in an area studies course while abroad. If you have questions about whether a specific course will count as area studies, please consult Dean Wasyliw. Some especially competitive programs require substantial prior course work in the proposed course of study as a prerequisite to acceptance. If you intend to enhance your major with study abroad, you may need advanced course work in that field. As with language study, area studies preparation beyond the minimum is highly recommended. Concentration programs in area studies, available in Modern European Studies, Latin American Studies, International Relations, East Asian Studies, Southeast Asian Studies, and South Asian Studies, are a particularly appropriate way to demonstrate academic interest in a particular world region, and should be considered by any student planning to study abroad in Europe, Latin America, or Asia. Information on these programs is available through the Mario Einaudi Center for International Studies, 170 Uris Hall, www.einaudi.cornell.edu. Study Abroad and Your Major All A & S students must be formally accepted into a major before going abroad, and should ideally be accepted into a major before beginning the application process. Most students plan a significant amount of academic work toward the major while abroad. Whether or not you intend to earn major credit, the college requires that time spent abroad will not impede progress toward the degree. Your faculty advisor and departmental Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) must review and approve your study abroad plans before you submit your application to Dean Wasyliw. Continuing discussion with your advisor via e-mail while abroad is often necessary as well, and works best when you have already established communication with your advisor. Credit for the major is awarded by the DUS after you return from study abroad. Residence The maximum length of study abroad is two semesters; two semesters are also recommended for true immersion in another culture and language. The College of Arts and Sciences allows a maximum of two semesters approved study away from the Cornell campus to count toward the degree requirements. Approved semesters away from campus include Cornell in Washington, Urban Semester, Cornell in Rome and SEA Semester as well as all Cornell Abroad destinations. All students must fulfill the residency requirement of six semesters on the Cornell campus in Ithaca; students who transfer to Cornell must complete a minimum of four semesters of residence on campus in Ithaca and may not study abroad during any of those four semesters. Internal transfers must complete four semesters of residence on campus in ITD and/or the College of Arts and Sciences. Program Choice The college encourages wherever possible educational immersion through study at foreign institutions alongside their degree candidates rather than in self-contained programs with courses specially designed for foreigners. This generally means that all academic instruction will be in the language of the host country, and that at least 50% of your work will be in regular university courses alongside degree-seeking students at that institution. Look for programs that require language preparation equivalent to Arts and Sciences standards, with a strong minimum GPA. Programs should either be university-based, or provide the option of taking some courses directly at a university. Look at course descriptions in subjects you would like to explore. See what prerequisites are required of matriculated students at foreign institutions and try to meet them before you arrive so that you can pursue upper-level work in your major(s). Our college approves only those study abroad proposals demonstrating realistic and coherent academic goals consistent with the philosophy of a liberal arts education. As a result, programs acceptable to other colleges may not be approved in Arts & Sciences. The college does not approve study abroad that tours more than one country or that is more touristic than scholarly in content and structure. Only students with compelling curricular reasons may study in more than one location over two semesters. English-language programs in non-English-speaking countries are generally not acceptable. Timing Of Study Abroad Most students find the junior year optimal for study abroad. By this time, you have taken some important steps to prepare for study away from campus:
Study abroad in the sophomore year is possible, however, if you have chosen a major and satisfied its prerequisites early on. Science majors may find the sophomore year preferable to the junior year because of the highly sequenced nature of science courses. The first semester of the senior year works well if you have entered a major or begun language study late. College policy requires the final semester to be completed on the Cornell campus. Internships The college recognizes the value of work experience for students in the liberal arts and sciences preparing for future careers. We encourage students to acquire first-hand knowledge of different work environments in order to choose a compatible career path. The college, however, does not grant academic credit for such experience. In keeping with the philosophy that study abroad is first and foremost study that permits immersion in another culture, educational system, and language, students seeking work experience abroad are encouraged to take a leave of absence to pursue such experiences as non-credited complements to their formal curricula. Internship opportunities on some Cornell programs abroad are available as an option in addition to full-time study rather than as a medium for earning academic credit. Some programs allow registration in an internship program without awarding academic credit; other programs, such as the Hansard Scholars Program in London, will earn fewer than the full 15 credits for the semester. Please note that the Government Department no longer approves the Hansard Scholars Program for major credit. Programs run by other universities that place internships at the center of their curricula are generally not approved by A & S. Independent Study and Fieldwork Some study abroad programs, such as the Cornell Nepal Study Program or SIT semester abroad programs, entail a substantial independent study or fieldwork project for credit. With guidance from a program advisor, students choose a topic, identify an appropriate field site, and apply a methodology to investigate some aspect of the society in question. Credit for independent projects can represent a substantial portion of the semester's total credit for study abroad. If you and your faculty advisor determine that such a program is ideally suited to your academic plan, you must have the written support of a faculty sponsor at Cornell who agrees to review your work and evaluate it for credit hours upon completion. Upon your return, your Cornell faculty sponsor should review all written work from your independent study, and must approve your request for credit on the Request for Credit from Study Abroad form. Study Abroad for Students with Disabilities Cornell Abroad is eager to work with the College of Arts and Sciences to help you choose a study abroad venue if you have special needs related to a disability. This requires that you be identified with Student Disability Services in the Center for Learning and Teaching and that you make plans for study abroad early enough so that special accommodations can be made for you (resources commonly available to students in the United States may not be readily available overseas.) Information on study abroad for students with disabilities is available at Cornell Abroad in 300 Caldwell Hall and on Cornell Abroad's web site. Application Process Successful applications are based on research, consultation, and planning that begins long before the deadline. You should consult your faculty advisor early in the process, and your advisor must approve of your program choice and course selection before the college can approve your application and forward it to Cornell Abroad. Choose a program that offers the best possible study abroad opportunity for your interests, and submit one effective application, rather than applying to many programs and expecting to "choose" later (although it is always a good idea to apply to one backup program.) Visit Cornell Abroad for advice on program choice. Attend the informational sessions, sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences and Cornell Abroad, held at the beginning of each semester. The Cornell Abroad web site and library are significant sources of information, as are faculty advisors, language instructors, and past program participants. Dean Wasyliw holds weekly walk-in hours for study abroad, and is available for individual appointments. All students must complete the Cornell Abroad application. Applicants to non-Cornell programs and for direct enrollment in foreign institutions must complete Cornell Abroad applications along with those of the host institution or program. Materials to be submitted to the College of Arts and Sciences:
Your complete application for Cornell Abroad will also include the following, which should be returned directly to Cornell Abroad, 300 Caldwell Hall:
Applications approved by the College of Arts and Sciences will be forwarded directly to Cornell Abroad for processing. Deadlines: Please be aware that some programs have early deadlines and rolling admission. Early submission of applications is highly recommended. Fall & Year Suggested deadline: December 15 Note: Oxford/Cambridge direct enrollment applications are due by November 1 of the preceding year of study. (ie. for study in '05-'06, applications are due by Nov 1, 2004) Spring Deadline Suggested deadline: May 30
Always check your applications carefully to allow time for approval and processing. Guidelines for Statement of Academic Purpose What to Include: Do remember that the Statement of Academic Purpose is exactly that, and not a general expression of enthusiasm for study or travel abroad. BE SPECIFIC in your discussion of plans for academic study, by including information on
Do include any special research, volunteer, or non-credit internship opportunities you plan to pursue during study abroad. While academic credit is not granted for such programs, inclusion in your plan of study will give a stronger picture of your academic and career goals.
What to Avoid Don't make the general experience of study and/or living in a foreign country the primary focus of your statement. Both the College of Arts and Sciences and Cornell Abroad recognize the value of time spent in another country or culture. The purpose of the statement is to justify the academic value of the experience.
Credits Abroad and Transfer of Credit Study abroad can earn up to 15 A&S credits per semester of full-time coursework as long as the curriculum abroad is consistent with that of the college. A fall term in the UK will earn a maximum of 12 credits, and may require extra coursework. Two terms at Oxford or Cambridge may earn up to 20 credits. You must carry a full course load as defined by the host institution, which should be equivalent to at least 15 credits at Cornell, and all courses must be taken for a letter grade. Courses that fall outside the scope of the liberal arts and sciences may only be taken with the prior approval of Dean Wasyliw, and will earn non-Arts credits. Some foreign universities offer courses for visiting students that are not eligible for any academic credit. Orientation or Presession courses will not normally earn academic credit from the college even though they appear on the transcript. Students may not earn additional credit for enrolling in extra courses during the semester or year abroad, and may not register for independent study credit at Cornell while they are enrolled in programs abroad. All proposed courses must be approved by your faculty advisor and Dean Wasyliw as part of the application process, and any later changes must have Dean Wasyliw's approval for assurance of credit. Major credit is decided by the department only after completion of study abroad and examination of all relevant coursework. Final credit for study abroad will be awarded only after completion of the term abroad, after the college receives your official transcript. In order to receive credit, you must have your overseas transcript sent from your study abroad program or University directly to Libby Okihiro, Cornell Abroad Student Services Coordinator, at 300 Caldwell Hall. Cornell Abroad will process transcripts and forward them to Arts and Sciences. The college will notify you when we have received your transcript. You will be asked to fill out a Request for Credit from Study Abroad form and submit it to the Academic Advising office for final approval. Transcripts delivered directly by students cannot be accepted by either A&S or Cornell Abroad. All courses taken abroad and grades received will appear on your Cornell transcript. Grades earned do not, however, become part of your Cornell GPA, as grades from other institutions are rarely equivalent to Cornell grades. If your Cornell Transcript reads "Study Abroad:15 hours," but does not show course titles or grades, your overseas transcript has either not arrived or not yet been processed. The "15 hours" is only a place holder. You must save all written work from all courses you take abroad until credit has been awarded on your Cornell transcript. You must save all written work from all courses until your grades are received and recorded on your Cornell transcript. While you may apply credit from study abroad to some categories of distribution requirements, please check all courses with Dean Wasyliw well in advance. Distribution I (PBS) and II (MQR) credit is virtually impossible to earn while abroad, and you should not plan to do so; distribution credit in the Humanities and Social Science categories (III or IV; CA, HA, KCM, LA and SBA) must be determined by Dean Wasyliw. Special departmental and college approval is required for any courses taken abroad to count toward acceleration as 300-level coursework (option B) and must be in the major field of study. Please see Dean Wasyliw for approval of any and all requests related to credit from study abroad. Building Upon Study Abroad Back At Cornell You can apply your study abroad to your academic work back at Cornell in a number of ways: with continued language study; with focused area studies courses; with term paper projects on issues important to the country or region you visited; with library research in the host language; with honors theses that develop interests and expertise acquired abroad. The ability to articulate these academic goals and provide realistic plans to achieve them strengthens your study abroad proposal. Many A & S students undertake study abroad as part of a broader plan to pursue volunteer work or a professional or diplomatic career abroad. Other students decide, while abroad, to return to their host country for graduate study or internship opportunities. A & S Career Services, 61 Goldwin Smith Hall (5-4166) can provide guidance in enhancing your international credentials by building upon your study abroad experiences, and can provide information on many international career options. |
